Page 64 of Immortal

The air around us seemed to contract, not the way it felt when Zhangwei’s magic flowed. In the distance, something gleamed, streaking across the skies like a fallen star. Zhangwei’s shield around us vanished abruptly, the sounds from outside rushing though, the sudden cry of birds jolting me. A flock of them darted through the heavens—unfamiliar ones, their pale feathers glinting, their crests a fiery orange. I was shivering in my sodden clothes, only now aware of how cold I was, inside and out.

Zhangwei’s face darkened as he gazed toward Kunlun, the silhouette of the mountain looming ahead.

“What’s wrong?” I asked. “What do you sense?”

“This magic—I’ve never felt anything like it before,” he said, looking up into the night. “Someone is coming . . . but I don’t know who.”

My throat went dry. “Do they know you’re here?”

His face was grave. “If they do, then they know where you are too.”

23

We raced back to the palace, the wind strengthening, dust and leaves swirling in the air. A shadow fell over us as clouds descended from the skies, bearing four immortal soldiers clad in the gold armor of Queen Caihong’s army. Relief filled me, even as I recalled how I’d fled from them before. The soldiers leapt to the ground, bowing to Zhangwei. One of them turned to greet me with a warm smile—Lieutenant Yang—Zhangwei’s friend, whom I’d met in the palace.

“Her Majesty has just come out of seclusion. She commands your immediate return, Lord Zhangwei. A great disturbance was sensed here, and your counsel is needed,” the lieutenant said.

“We sensed it too,” he replied. “I will return as soon as I’ve secured the Lady of Tianxia’s safety. She can’t come back with us.”

Lieutenant Yang’s gaze shifted to my wrist, the red thread bracelet gone. “A pity,” he murmured. “Her Majesty would like to speak with you, too.”

Unease rippled through me as I faced Zhangwei. “Even if I could leave, I wouldn’t. What about my people’s safety? Will you protect them too?”

“We can’t remain here,” he said gravely. “The presence of other immortals will be sensed, if these enemies haven’t detected me already. By staying, we’ll draw them here, risking those you want to protect.” He glanced at the birds circling the skies. “We can’t let them find you. We must be cautious until we learn who these enemies are, and what they are planning.”

He was right; I couldn’t risk my people. “Where should we go?”

“Kunlun Mountain. I know a place where you’ll be safe, as long as we can reach it.”

“I must tell the others: Chengyin, Aunt Shou, the ministers.”

His expression shuttered. “Of course, you must inform your betrothed.”

His tone rankled. “He’s also my First Advisor,” I reminded him.

Lieutenant Yang cleared his throat, his eyes bright like he was enjoying this. “Lord Zhangwei, your hands appear full. Shall we remain with you until you’re ready to return?”

“What were your orders from Her Majesty?” Zhangwei asked.

“To head back after delivering her message, unless you needed our aid,” Lieutenant Yang said. “There are fears another attack will be launched by those conspiring with the Winged Devils.”

Zhangwei frowned. “Then you should return at once. We have no need of a guard here; I will protect the Lady of Tianxia.”

The lieutenant laughed. “We meant no disrespect, Lord Zhangwei. I’ll confess I wanted you to protect us.”

Zhangwei’s grin erased the harshness of his features. “You are every bit as capable as I am, Lieutenant Yang,” he replied. “We won’t keep you from your duties. Please inform Her Majesty that I will return as soon as I can.”

Lieutenant Yang bent his head in acknowledgment, as did the other soldiers. The clouds at their feet shimmered as they stepped upon them. A moment later, they were soaring into the skies, the wind roiling around us.

“Liyen, we should head to Kunlun now,” Zhangwei urged. “For Queen Caihong to send a messenger, the danger must be great. Once I’ve escorted you to safety, I will return to learn more.”

“I can’t just disappear,” I protested. “I have responsibilities, I must warn the others of the danger. It won’t take long.”

He hesitated, then nodded. “Be careful what you share.”

A thunderous crack shattered the stillness. We froze, our eyes darting in unison toward the skies—glazed with a haunting shimmer like moonlight gliding upon a lake. Those strange birds shrieked, circling once, then soared toward Kunlun. Light ruptured the heavens in bursts of vermilion as four fiery comets plummeted through the skies.

Zhangwei’s hands flew up, his magic pulsing through the air. What did discovery matter when the skies blazed with it? Glittering strands shot from his fingers, weaving a luminous net above us. The flaming remnants hurtled down, caught by the net before they crashed to the ground. Ice glazed my insides, my heart constricting at the sight of the four charred bodies within—those of the queen’s soldiers, Lieutenant Yang among them. Deep gashes were carved across their faces, streaking down their necks beneath the twisted remains of their armor, now blackened and gnarled. They’d been alive a few moments ago—immortal and powerful—and now, they were snared in the eternal clutches of death.